Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs

Omega-3 supplements can provide an important source of
healthy fatty acids to improve a dog's skin and coat, reduce the
affects of allergies, improve joint function and can help to control
inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have few side effects and are
generally considered a safe and natural supplement for dogs.

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and other fatty acids are important components of a healthy
diet and are essential for your dog's bodily functions, especially the
immune system. Omega-3's are polyunsaturated fats and can be found in
fish, plant and flax oil, though flaxseed oil must be properly stored
or it may lose its effectiveness. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered
'essential' fatty acids because they cannot be produced by your dog's
body and must be taken in through diet or supplements.

Omega-3 fatty acids to look for include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Both DHA
and EPA can be found from fish sources, such as salmon oil, while ALA
can be found in flaxseed, pumpkin seed and soybean oil. Many commercial
dog foods are filled with carbohydrates, preservatives and fillers and
lack these necessary nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and
active, so discuss your dog's nutrition with your veterinarian to set
up a diet plan.

Benefits of Omega-3 Supplements

There are many benefits of adding omega-3 supplements to your dog's
diet if he is lacking the necessary amount of fatty acids. These
benefits can include, but are not limited to, the improvement and
maintenance of various bodily functions and as a treatment for health
problems:

Side Effects of Omega-3 in Dogs

While fatty acids are considered a natural and generally safe
addition to your dog's diet and nutritional plan, the ratio of omega-3
and omega-6 fatty acids is an important factor for owners to consider.
Your pet's dog food may already contain fatty acids, and adding omega-3
supplements could be a mistake. In rare cases, pancreatitis can develop
due to a large amount of fat in a dog's diet, causing pain, vomiting,
diarrhea and dehydration due to an inflamed pancreas.

The addition of omega-3 supplements to your dog's diet can cause
weight gain, so treats and food servings may need to be reduced in
order to prevent obesity, which is a common but serious problem in
American pets. Always consult with your veterinarian when changing your
dog's diet or health regimen, and discuss dosage and treatment options
that will work best for your dog's breed, age, health conditions, stage
of development and lifestyle.